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Liver Disorders pp 27–39Cite as

Do I Need a Liver Biopsy?

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Abstract

Although sensitive and relatively accurate blood tests and imaging studies are available to detect and diagnose liver diseases, the liver biopsy still remains a vital tool. Liver biopsy should be considered in patients in whom the diagnosis is questionable, and for whom obtaining a specific diagnosis likely alters the management plan. The biopsy may also predict prognosis by the staging of a known liver disease. It also helps in developing treatment plans based on histological analysis. However, complications may arise even though the incidence is small. Sampling error and inter-observer variability may result in inaccurate data and limit utility. Physicians and patients may hesitate to undertake liver biopsy for fear of complications. The aim of this chapter is to provide information about the benefits and limitations of liver biopsy for physicians who have to answer questions from patients recommended to undergo liver biopsy.

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Abbreviations

AIH:

Autoimmune hepatitis

DILI:

Drug-induced liver injury

HCC:

Hepatocellular carcinoma

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

NAFLD:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

PBC:

Primary biliary cirrhosis

PSC:

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Kiyoko Oshima M.D., Dr.Sc.

Authors
  1. Kiyoko Oshima M.D., Dr.Sc.
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Correspondence to Kiyoko Oshima M.D., Dr.Sc. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Kia Saeian

  2. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medicine Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Reza Shaker

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© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Oshima, K. (2017). Do I Need a Liver Biopsy?. In: Saeian, K., Shaker, R. (eds) Liver Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30103-7_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30103-7_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-30101-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-30103-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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